Stories & News

Get the latest news, how-to advice, and feature articles about the trail community, the current hiking season and issues impacting trails you love.

Get local news, how-to advice, and feature articles about our trail community, the current hiking season in Washington and issues impacting trails you love.

Learn more about: WTA member magazine | Signpost blog

Interview With a WTA Ambassador

Jan 13, 2023

We recently sat down to talk with Kathleen Lange, a longtime WTA volunteer ambassador who’s been part of the program since 2018, to chat about why she loves the role and connecting with hikers.

Hiker Headlines: WTA's New CEO, Free Day, Call for Volunteers, Shuttle Service, Openings and Closures

Jan 12, 2023

A big welcome to our new CEO! January 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and parking fees are waived in some areas. WTA is looking for volunteer app developers. A shuttle service from Seattle to Snoqualmie Pass is starting up. Olympic National Park has some closures due to weather. And, Samish Overlook has reopened.

We're Off! Washington State's 2023 Legislative Session

Jan 12, 2023

This week kicks off Washington state's 2023 legislative session! WTA will be working with partners and people like you to champion legislation and funding requests that impact public lands and outdoor access. Last year, WTA and hikers helped secure two game-changing wins for public lands, and we're back in Olympia this year ensuring that both programs continue into the future.

Meet WTA's New CEO: Jaime Loucky

Jan 11, 2023

From growing up in the foot of the North Cascades to taking on the leadership of WTA, learn why Jaime is passionate about WTA's vision and community.

Trip Report Roundup: Last and First Hikes of the Year

Jan 09, 2023

There are many ways to celebrate the end and beginning of a year — and going for a hike is a fabulous option. Here are some of our favorite trip reports from hikers who shared their last hikes of 2022 and first hikes of 2023.

Hiker Headlines: Thank You, Members; Camping Changes at Olympic National Park; Photo Contest Winners

Jan 05, 2023

Happy New Year! Thanks so much to our members for an incredible 2022. Washington State Parks has a new logo. The campground reservation process in Olympic National Park is changing. And, you can now check out all of our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners.

2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Jan 03, 2023

See all the winning photographs from the 2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest ranging from majestic views to furry bears.

Thank You for 2022, WTA Members!

Jan 03, 2023

As we're getting ready for the new year ahead of us, we wanted to thank WTA members for their invaluable support.

Hiker Headlines: Good News From 2022

Dec 29, 2022

The year is almost over, and we want take a moment to reflect on the good things that happened for trails and public lands in 2022. Public lands got more funding. WTA helped open new trails — and improve many more. And across the state, the hiking community came together to support each other and the places we care about.

Celebrate 2023 with a First Day Hike at a State Park Near You

Dec 27, 2022

If you’d like to begin 2023 with some time outside, Washington State Parks has made it easy. Across the state, more than 40 state parks have First Day Hike events planned on Jan. 1, 2023. The events include ranger-led hikes, snowshoe trips, bike rides and more.

Hiker Headlines: Winter, Winter and More Winter; Now Hiring

Dec 22, 2022

Yesterday was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Plenty of folks have been enjoying winter play these days. But there’s an incoming ice storm and avalanche danger the next few days — prepare in advance and be smart if you choose to head outside. And, in non-weather news, WTA is hiring!

Rue Mapp Uplifts Black Joy in the Outdoors with New Book

In her new book, Rue Mapp is telling the story of Black people that she has always known to be true — one of freedom and strength. By Jessi Loerch

How to Set a New Year's Hiking Resolution as a Family

We wanted to hike 22 times in 2022. Here's how we made it work with our 9-year-old and 4-year old. By William Garrow.

How WTA Ambassadors are Creating a Lasting Impact

Dec 19, 2022

WTA's work wouldn't be possible without volunteers, who help our work in many different ways. Volunteer ambassadors support WTA’s mission to mobilize hikers to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. Right now, we're welcoming new ambassadors. Learn more about the program and how to get involved.

Trail Work Through the Seasons

Check out what a year of trail work looks like for WTA. | By Tiffany Chou

Hiker Headlines: Openings and Closures, New Advisory Committee, Winter Hikes

Dec 14, 2022

The bridge at Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve has reopened after construction. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced their wildlife area closure dates for the winter. The Margaret’s Way trailhead will be closed for a couple of days next week. And, we’ve for some ideas for you if you're looking for winter hike ideas.

Paradise at Mount Rainier Only Open on Weekends: What to Know and Where to Go Instead

Dec 14, 2022

The road to Paradise at Mount Rainier National park will be closed on weekdays this winter due to staffing shortages. The road will be available for public use only on Saturdays and Sundays for the remainder of the winter season. The sledding area will remain closed all season, even on weekends. The road closure will put some of the park's most popular winter destinations, like Panorama Point, out of reach for many visitors, and might create some additional weekend traffic.

Partnership Brings New Trails to the Teanaway Community Forest

Dec 13, 2022

After a decade of strong collaboration, WTA and our partners are so excited that a trails plan for the Teanaway Community Forest has passed the state’s environmental review. That means, in 2023 WTA will be able to break ground on new trails in the community forest. Find out where we plan to work first.

Hiker Headlines: WTA Winter Safety, Work on Hurricane Hill Lodge, Fun in the Snow

Dec 08, 2022

Join WTA for a talk about winter safety in January. Be prepared for a road closure and heavy traffic in some areas. Washington State Parks wants your input on signage. The Great American Outdoors Act has allocated funding for improvement projects to the Hurricane Ridge day lodge. And, there are some new fun things to do this winter in Washington!

Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost in 2022

Dec 07, 2022

We take a moment to reflect on the lives of some of those who we've recently lost. They are missed, but we will remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to our community for years to come.

Building Onramps to Nature’s Benefits

Dec 06, 2022

Braided Seeds is helping communities of color rest and reconnect to nature. A wilderness first aid course, in partnership with WTA, has been one way to help people in their community feel safer outside.

Hiker Headlines: Paradise Access Changes, Christmas Tree Permits, Outdoor Recreation Economy Report

Dec 01, 2022

Access to Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park is now restricted to the weekends. Grab a permit online if you're interested in cutting your own Christmas tree from a national forest. The Kraus Ridge Trail is temporarily closed for most of December, and Mount Teneriffe trailhead is closed for snow. The Bureau of Economic Analysis has released an outdoor recreation economy report for the United States. And, a snowstorm has hit Washington!

2022 Trail Work Through the Seasons

Nov 30, 2022

Although the seasons change throughout the year, the enthusiasm of our volunteers and field staff to get out and get some trail work done never does. No matter the time of year, we make sure to get our hands on some tools and our feet in the dirt. Check out what a typical year of trail work looks like for us.

Ask WTA: How is Food Freeze Dried?

Nov 23, 2022

Backpackers have come up with many innovative ways of reducing that weight, including freeze-drying. But what IS freeze drying?

I Was Afraid Of the Outdoors. Now I Help Others Hit the Trails.

It was a winding road to where I'm at, and WTA helped me get here. By Tiffany Chou.

Hiker Headlines: WTA Now Hiring, Trail Reopens, Winter Closures and Hiking

Nov 17, 2022

WTA is hiring for our 2023 seasonal crew leaders and assistant crew leaders. The Annette Lake trail has reopened. Some roads may be closed intermittently or entirely for the winter season. And, make sure to take advantage of online resources to check conditions before heading out on your snowy hike.

How Friends of the Children Seattle Made 'Trail Tuesdays' a Reality, with a Little Help from WTA

Nov 16, 2022

Friends of the Children Seattle spent the summer exploring local trails and introducing youth to the fun of hiking. (And the joy of eating frozen yogurt during a hike.) WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program helped them have a successful summer of exploration.

E-bikes: You Gave Input, What Comes Next?

Nov 15, 2022

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources asked for your opinion on the use of e-bikes. Over 7,000 people responded to the survey, including WTA’s Trail Action Network advocates — thanks for your input! Based on this input, WDFW and DNR recently shared a report of their recommendations for e-bikes going forward. Here are the main takeaways and what happens next.

WTA and Our Members: The Perfect Combo for Trails

Nov 14, 2022

WTA gets a lot of work done each year to help hikers get outside. But we can only do this work because of our dedicated base of 27,000 members who fund our work.

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Highway Closures, Bridge Replacement, Art Contest

Nov 10, 2022

Parking fees will be waived in many places on Veteran’s Day. The North Cascades Highway and Mountain Loop Highway are closed for the season. A bridge replacement project at Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve is closing part of the area through at least this month. And, an art contest for high-schoolers to spread awareness about invasive species has opened.

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